Indian Navy to Host Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026

Indian Navy will host the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 (IPRD-2026) in New Delhi from November 3 to 5, 2026. The annual international strategic conference centers on the official theme, “Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.”

The Indian Navy organizes the event alongside its knowledge partner, the National Maritime Foundation (NMF). The summit will gather maritime practitioners, oceanographers, scientists, academicians, and policymakers from 18 countries to strengthen regional ocean governance.

Key Policy Frameworks to Remember: 

1. Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the IPOI at the 14th East Asia Summit in Bangkok in November 2019. The initiative outlines seven interconnected pillars: Maritime Security, Maritime Ecology, Maritime Resources, Capacity Building, Disaster Risk Reduction, Science and Technology, and Trade Connectivity.
2. MAHASAGAR Doctrine: Stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. This maritime vision expands India's regional outreach, promoting collaborative security and economic development across the maritime neighborhood.

Thematic Sessions Across the Three-Day Summit

IPRD-2026 features five professional thematic sessions designed to translate broad strategic goals into concrete regional policies:

• Session 1: Academic Networks, Research and Human Capital Development: Focuses on joint research programs, faculty exchanges, and institutional knowledge sharing.
• Session 2: Maritime Situational Awareness and Protection of Critical Infrastructure: Evaluates cooperative intelligence sharing to secure subsea cables, offshore energy grids, and ports.
• Session 3: Oceanographic Science and Climate Resilience: Analyzes data-sharing mechanisms to monitor rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and extreme weather risks.
• Session 4: Collaborative Approaches to Ocean Governance and Maritime Resilience: Explores multilateral legal frameworks to streamline marine resource management.
• Session 5: Transformative Maritime Technologies and Dual-Use Implications: Assesses artificial intelligence, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and quantum sensing technologies.

High-Level Interactions and Special Features

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will deliver the commemorative address on the opening day.

The inaugural day includes a flagship session titled “Perspectives from the Flag Bridge,” featuring former naval chiefs from India and Sri Lanka. Additionally, a special ambassadorial interaction titled “Sahyog Ka Samvaad” will bring together diplomatic envoys to align regional security perspectives.

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